The Giants.com editorial team has weighed in on four key statements ahead of the upcoming game between the New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers, discussing individual matchups, rookie performances, and quarterback rankings.
On whether the matchup between Giants outside linebacker Brian Burns and Chargers left tackle Joe Alt is the most important individual battle to watch, opinions were split. John Schmeelk said, “Fact – Brian Burns is playing out of his mind this season. He has been a consistent threat with 15 total pressures, just three off the league lead (Aidan Hutchinson and Micah Parsons), according to Pro Football Focus. He is doing it despite facing constant chips against Dallas in Week 2 and multiple bodies against the Commanders and Chiefs on many of his pass-rushing snaps. He is also playing the run well and has flashed as a zone dropper in coverage. His motor has been running hot all season, with two of his three sacks coming from the type of extra effort we have seen from him all offseason. Joe Alt, meanwhile, has seamlessly taken over for Rashawn Slater in his second season, allowing only four pressures, including one sack, according to PFF. I think Burns will get a chance to work against Alt on an island in this game since the Chargers might have to help backup offensive linemen elsewhere. If he can consistently win that one-on-one matchup the Chargers will be put in a very difficult position with their pass protection.”
Matt Citak agreed: “Fact – There are plenty of exciting matchups in this game, but this one tops the list. Burns is off to a dominant start with four sacks in three games, while Alt has surrendered only three total pressures so far this season. Alt is quickly becoming one of the top offensive linemen in the NFL, while Burns seems to have taken his game to another level this season. Get your popcorn ready for this one.”
Dan Salomone disagreed: “Fiction – Whether he was about to make his first or 200th start, Jaxson Dart would need to know where perennial All-Pro safety Derwin James Jr. is on every play. But because he is doing the former, it goes double for the rookie quarterback. James has left an impression on Daboll going back to 2017 in their SEC days. You can be sure he’s passing that along to Dart.”
The panel then discussed whether rookie running back Cam Skattebo will record more receiving yards than rushing yards against Los Angeles.
John Schmeelk responded: “Fiction – The Chargers’ rush defense is eighth in the league, allowing only 94.7 yards per game. But when you dive into the numbers, it doesn’t look quite as good. Their pass DVOA ranks fifth, but against the run they are 16th… There should be light boxes the Giants can take advantage of if their offensive line blocks a very physical and powerful Chargers defensive front…”
Dan Salomone added: “Fiction – The Chargers have given up just 60 receiving yards to running backs this season… Dart’s very first NFL play was a handoff to Skattebo…”
Matt Citak said: “Fiction – While the Chargers’ run defense is in the top 10, the numbers are a bit misleading… As long as the Giants keep the game close Skattebo could find success on ground.”
When asked if quarterback Jaxson Dart’s first NFL completion would go to wide receiver Malik Nabers:
John Schmeelk answered: “Fact – After Chiefs dedicated number of defenders Nabers last week… I would expect Giants’ gameplan feature Nabers early and often… It may also just be WR screen or jet sweep…”
Dan Salomone disagreed: “Fiction – I’m staying on Skattebo train here… Why not start Dart off with completion his 2025 draft classmate…”
Matt Citak concurred: “Fiction – …I believe Dart’s first completion will come on an easy route such as running back or tight end screen… So for that reason I’m going with Cam Skattebo as recipient of Dart’s first NFL completion…”
Finally, regarding whether Justin Herbert is considered best quarterback remaining on Giants’ schedule:
John Schmeelk stated: “Fact – When I rank NFL’s best quarterbacks… Of quarterbacks remaining on Giants’ schedule I would put Justin Herbert Jalen Hurts Dak Prescott Jordan Love next tier…”
Dan Salomone replied: “Fiction – Herbert may get there as enters prime but I’m picking Jalen Hurts with Super Bowl MVP Award as tiebreaker…”
Matt Citak concluded: “Fact – …Herbert will be toughest challenge Giants face at quarterback position… His 286.7 passing yards per game and 105.5 passer rating would both be new career-highs for sixth-year quarterback…”
The analysis highlighted player performances so far this season—including Brian Burns’ pressure stats compared with other league leaders—and provided insight into how certain matchups could impact Sunday’s outcome.
